DOVER — Pirates head coach Jason McGhee is more interested in talking about the success of his players than his own, despite earning the 4A-4 Conference coach of the year distinction for the fifth time in his career.

“It’s more about the kids,” McGhee said. “It’s a big honor, but I like the kids getting recognition more than the coaches.”

This year, there’s plenty of both. Seven Dover baseball players earned All-State or All-Conference honors at the conclusion of the season.

All-State players were sophomore Luke Price and senior Taylor Moudy. Price finished the season .500 from the plate with an astonishing 10 home runs and 37 RBIs.

“He put up good numbers,” McGhee said. “Last year, as a freshman, he put up good numbers, too, but this year he was a force. The only thing you worry about is people not pitching to him in the future, but he’s proven this year that he’s one of the best hitters in the area, if not the state.

McGhee said it was exciting to have such a powerful player with two years of high school baseball still ahead of him.

“Ten home runs is 10 home runs,” he said. “To hit that many is a really big deal, especially as a sophomore.”

Moudy was .349 from the plate, hit two homers and had 24 RBIs. McGhee said it was nice to see Moudy get recognition this year.

“He came through at the plate this year,” McGhee said. “We put him in the 4-hole and never took him out. He’s got a big swing and when he makes contact, he hits the ball hard. We’re going to miss him at the plate next year.”

Moudy was also the team’s catcher. McGhee said his quick arm prevented many runners from taking their chances.

Ewing finished 9-1 from the bump with two saves. McGhee said he was their go-to guy for pitching.

“He was great in big game situations.”

Ewing was also named to the All-State tournament team.

Shaw, who covered right field, was .387 from the plate with 17 RBIs and 35 runs, Stines was the Pirates lead-off batter with 14 RBIs, Sparks had 14 RBIs, while McKown had two home runs and 16 RBIs.

The Pirates won 19 games this season, the 4A-4 Conference title and the 4A-4 Conference tournament, but were defeated 12-2 in the quarterfinals of the Class 4A state tournament by Arkadelphia.

“Anytime you win 19 games, that’s a good year,” McGhee said. “I would like to get a little further next year, but it was good. This year carried over from last year. We talked earlier in the season about getting back to where we were and taking it a further. We did. We want to put a banner up in the gym every year. It’s a big deal.”

McGhee was appreciative of the support he and his team received throughout the tournament from the community and the student body.

“I think our community got behind us there. We had a good turnout from the town and from our students at the games,” he said.